Intruder Awareness and Response for Church Personnel (1 day)

Many churches have taken comfort in the thought that “it could never happen here.” But headlines and a steadily-growing body of statistical evidence demonstrate that violence in faith-based organizations may not be an if, but a when.

Church Security and Intruder Awareness Training will equip your staff and key volunteers to create a personalized security plan that protects your congregation while maintaining a welcoming environment.

Your church can be secure, yet welcoming. A focus on security does not, and should not, compromise the mission of your church.

Our one-day training provides a quick overview of how these two important goals can complement one another in practice.

We’ll equip your team to recognize physical indicators of suspicious behavior (nervousness, anti-social tendencies, strange attire). Understanding body language can help identify someone with an intention for violence or disruption. If you can detect a problem before it starts, you have a much greater chance of defusing it.

This course also discusses the behavioral indicators of armed individuals whether they are armed lawfully or unlawfully. In addition, we emphasize the importance of a culture of “see something, say something.”

Our one-day training also covers the “art of the security handshake” – allowing you to greet a suspicious individual while also identifying if he is armed.

In addition, we’ll educate your team on:

Statistics on church violence

The biblical and ethical justification for church security

History of violence at churches

Approaching armed individuals

Verbally de-escalating conflict

Lockdown procedures for threats inside and outside the building

What to do when lockdown fails

Awareness

Training your team

Who should attend?Ushers, greeters, church leadership, security teams, parking teams, deacons and elders, volunteers, staff and volunteers in frequent contact with the congregation and visitors